The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) of the Philippines recently raided a high-end residential area in Angeles City, Pampanga, successfully dismantling a telecommunications fraud hub and arresting five Chinese suspects. The city, known for its vibrant nightlife and nicknamed "Angel City," has increasingly become a hotbed for transnational crime in recent years.
According to investigations, the gang used fictitious "investment platforms," fake lending services, and gambling inducements as fronts to carry out transnational scams, with victims mostly from Southeast Asian countries. Law enforcement officers seized a large number of computers, mobile phones, and communication equipment at the scene, initially determining that the scam had been in operation for some time, with clear division of labor and tight organization.
However, not all suspects were captured in this operation. The police revealed that the mastermind behind the gang is still at large and may be connected with local "protective umbrella" forces. Previous attempts to capture them were unsuccessful, and the NBI is intensifying efforts to track their whereabouts.
The Bureau urges community residents to remain vigilant. If suspicious individuals are frequently seen entering or exiting a place, or if there is unusually active communication equipment inside a house, residents should report to the authorities promptly to help prevent the breeding of crime.
The five arrested individuals will face multiple felony charges, including cyber fraud, illegal employment, and involvement in human trafficking, with the case still under thorough investigation.
